Sarah Kiani, M.A.
Sarah Kiani is the founder, director, and a therapist of Hope Tree Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Minnesota. She is trained in facilitating Equine Assisted Mental Health (EAMH) from the University of Denver’s Institute for Human and Animal Connection.
Sarah works with those with ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and those experiencing difficulty with attachment, parenting, women's issues, and life changes. Sarah has extensive skills in working with young children using Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT).
Sarah specializes in working with people experiencing trauma, grief, and loss. Sarah survived the loss of her child, Yasmine, in 2009. With the aid of therapy, the arts, nature, and horses Sarah has not only survived but has experienced post-traumatic growth. It was with a deep desire to honor her child’s memory that Sarah launched Hope Tree in 2015.
Sarah practices mindfulness, EMDR, person-centered, trauma-informed, narrative, psycho-drama, equine-assisted, nature-assisted, and child-centered play therapies with clients. Sarah believes that lasting positive growth can occur through professional counseling that incorporates creativity, nature, and animals in the healing journey.
Sarah is passionate about every human's ability to grow and heal. She is committed to offering the possibility of true healing to all who come to Hope Tree.
Sarah is also the founder of Innisfree Farm and the Enchanted Forest Children’s Theater.
Bonita Streich, M.S.
Bonita is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and provides counseling for children 3 years and older, adults, couples, and families as a therapist at Hope Tree since 2017. She is a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and is completing specialized certification in autism. Bonita works with people who have depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, ADHD, stress, and anger. Bonita also works with those going through divorce and those who need a third party to talk to without judgment.
Bonita believes that mental and physical health go hand in hand and that healing begins with hope. Each individual has their own story and is treated as a whole with unconditional positive regard in a client-centered atmosphere. Treating individuals with respect, listening with empathy, and being genuine with them while acknowledging and validating feelings, emotions, and their words are her passion. Trained in Adlerian Play Therapy (AdPT) for children and adults, Bonita helps clients reach beyond traditional talk therapy for self-expression and processing when words are hard to find.
Sessions are not bound to the office. They can be held outdoors on the grounds and/or around the animals, or on Zoom from the comfort of your own home.
Katie Schieffer, M.A.
Katie is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and provides full time counseling with children, adults, elders, and families as a therapist at Hope Tree. She has additional training in Theraplay, Trauma Systems Therapy (TST), and expressive arts therapies.
Katie has experience working with young, non-verbal children with autism and/or ADHD and behavior concerns as well as children with attachment disruptions. She works with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced abuse, trauma and toxic stress, separation and/or loss. Her practice includes work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, stress management, and grief.
Katie is passionate about mental health and wellness for all. She uses a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to create a space where individuals and families are able to experience a sense of safety and connection. Building on these experiences, Katie aims to help individuals understand their own strengths, needs, and agency for change. With families, Katie incorporates brain development and attachment theory to build a working alliance with families to identify the specific needs of their child. Katie aims to help families experience connection, attunement, and mutual enjoyment as tools to improve and strengthen their relationship and resiliency. Using the power of relationships to meet the needs of the child, Katie supports families in teaching new skills and creating positive emotional and behavioral changes.
Libby Welbes, M.A.
Libby Welbes earned a Master of Arts degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling in 2004 from The Georgia School of Professional Psychology in Nashville, TN. She has over seven years of experience specifically related to substance use counseling including working at the world-renowned Hazelden-Betty Ford Clinic. Her informal counseling style is relatable and inviting to all populations and imperative when working with posturing adolescents or those exhibiting denial. CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, and Animal Assisted Interventions are the practices she subscribes to and finds most effective. Her initial approach is to respectfully address individuals with genuine empathy and no judgment. Libby has an upbeat demeanor and uses levity and humor when appropriate.
Libby specializes in ages 10 and up and those suffering from ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, anger management, grief, loss, trauma, women’s issues, and all addictions including substances, gambling, love, and sex.
Libby works to proactively address maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, confront impulse control (especially in those suffering from ADHD), and identify triggers to assist in developing healthier coping strategies. She has experience empowering women to set boundaries and perform proper self-care while being cognizant of negative self-talk, guilt, and shame.
Nature and animal-assisted practices are evidence-based techniques that weave a cathartic element into her therapeutic practice.
Rebecca Rogers
Born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa, Rebecca has a degree in Family Services from the University of Northern Iowa. She came to Hope Tree as an intern and facilitated the YES participants in the Hope Tree Garden Program. Appreciating the urban farm environment, she remains at Hope Tree as the administrator where she is a valued member of the team. Rebecca enjoys watching people become the best versions of themselves while applying what they have learned at Hope Tree to their lives.